Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understandi ....Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understanding of histone deacetylases and protein deacetylation in immune cell responses which can be harnessed to manipulate cell functions for basic science and biotechnology uses.Read moreRead less
Toll-like receptors in infectious and inflammatory diseases: the double-edged sword of innate immunity. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microorganisms. This project will explore the role of specific innate immune genes in the control of infections and the development of inflammatory diseases.
Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels ....Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels, and will thereby lead to a greater understanding of the fundamental biological pathways controlling inflammation and defence against infection. This may ultimately lead to commercial opportunities for treating infection and chronic inflammation.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200101300
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,711.00
Summary
Lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage extracellular traps in host defence. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microbes. Macrophages are key innate immune cells that deploy antimicrobial responses to clear infection and restore health. There are many critical unanswered questions on the molecular mechanisms that drive macrophage inflammatory and antimicrobial pathways. This project aims to elucidate a novel inflammatory mechanism that immobilises and kills inva ....Lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage extracellular traps in host defence. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading microbes. Macrophages are key innate immune cells that deploy antimicrobial responses to clear infection and restore health. There are many critical unanswered questions on the molecular mechanisms that drive macrophage inflammatory and antimicrobial pathways. This project aims to elucidate a novel inflammatory mechanism that immobilises and kills invading bacteria via newly discovered structures made by dying macrophages called extracellular traps. Insight we gain by interrogating this immune cell signalling pathway, called the non-canonical inflammasome, will add valuable knowledge to our fundamental understanding of mammalian inflammation and anti-microbial responses
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Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100823
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,482.00
Summary
Elucidating ATPase function during NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. Humans and animals are constantly exposed to microbes, which inhabit their external environment as well as body surfaces such as the skin and gut. We are, however, able to co-exist with these microbes, because our immune system protects us from these everyday encounters. This proposal will reveal how an important immune protein called NLRP3 senses microbes and other physiological processes. When NLRP3 senses such factors and is acti ....Elucidating ATPase function during NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. Humans and animals are constantly exposed to microbes, which inhabit their external environment as well as body surfaces such as the skin and gut. We are, however, able to co-exist with these microbes, because our immune system protects us from these everyday encounters. This proposal will reveal how an important immune protein called NLRP3 senses microbes and other physiological processes. When NLRP3 senses such factors and is activated, it induces the release of messenger substances to alert other immune cells. This research will deliver fundamental knowledge of how animals normally co-exist with microbes.Read moreRead less